Latest news with #AsharqAlAwsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
4 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Hamas Delays Response to US Ceasefire Proposal Amid Fears of ‘Lebanese Scenario'
As of Friday evening in Gaza, Hamas had yet to respond to a new ceasefire plan submitted by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, a proposal Israel accepted within hours of receiving it. While Hamas says it is reviewing the plan carefully, sources within the movement indicate several serious concerns are holding up a response. At the heart of Hamas's hesitation is fear that the proposal's language is too vague, particularly the section outlining a 60-day ceasefire. According to Hamas sources, the terms do not clearly obligate Israel to honor the full duration of the truce or extend it if negotiations succeed. This ambiguity, they warn, opens the door for Israel to resume military operations in Gaza at will - much like its periodic strikes in Lebanon - especially after the first week of the deal, when a round of hostage exchanges is expected to conclude. One Hamas official told Asharq Al-Awsat that the proposal is riddled with 'traps' and imposes conditions that complicate matters for the Palestinian side. 'It's not just about accepting or rejecting - the proposal needs clarification and likely some amendments,' the source said. Still, other figures in Hamas say the group may ultimately accept the deal if it receives guarantees on unresolved points, particularly regarding humanitarian aid. The plan outlines the release of 125 Palestinian prisoners, all serving life or long sentences, in exchange for a phased handover of five living Israeli hostages and nine bodies. Hamas considers this number insufficient, both in terms of proportionality and compared to past deals. Furthermore, the proposal lacks mechanisms to ensure the war's end, instead leaving that decision to future negotiations, a process Hamas believes would remain under the control of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has publicly resisted committing to any final resolution. Humanitarian provisions in the proposal are another sticking point. The current draft does not guarantee the sustained entry of aid into Gaza and makes no reference to the protocols established during previous ceasefires. Aid delivery would depend on the pace of negotiations and implementation of the agreement, with no assurance of critical items like heavy equipment for rubble removal. Distribution would also be limited to international organizations such as the UN and the Red Crescent, excluding Gaza's private sector entirely. Hamas officials argue that Israel's swift acceptance of the deal is no surprise. They believe it was coordinated in advance with Washington and reflects Israeli interests above all. The proposal, they say, prioritizes Netanyahu's conditions while offering Palestinians little in return beyond vague promises.
Asharq Al-Awsat
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat Wins Arab Journalism Award for Investigative Reporting
Asharq Al-Awsat was honored with the Arab Journalism Award in the Investigative Reporting category at the 24th Arab Media Summit held in Dubai. The recognition was awarded for journalist Sameh Ellaboody's powerful investigative report, 'The Final Voyage of the Infamous 'Salt' Ship', which examined the tragic sinking of a deteriorating cargo vessel that claimed the lives of 14 sailors, leaving only one survivor. The report offered a gripping and meticulously detailed account of the disaster, shedding light on the shadowy trade of 'death boats'. It drew on exclusive interviews, most notably with the lone survivor Ahmed Barakat, as well as audio recordings and images capturing the final moments of the doomed voyage. The award reflects Asharq Al-Awsat's commitment to high-impact journalism and its role as a leading voice in Arab media, delivering bold and professional coverage of pressing regional issues. The summit also honored Fakhri Karim, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Iraq's Al-Mada Foundation, with the Media Personality of the Year Award for his decades-long contributions to Arab journalism. He received the award from Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the UAE National Olympic Committee. Meanwhile, Asharq Documentary received the Best Documentary Award for its film 'Under the Rubble,' which explores the human stories that emerged from the destruction in Gaza. The award was presented by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, to channel Director General Mohamed Al Youssi. The film was praised for its emotional depth and unflinching portrayal of life during conflict. 'This recognition highlights the power of documentary storytelling,' Al Youssi said. 'We dedicate it to all who lived through the devastation and to those who helped share their voices amid the silence.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
22-05-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
24,000 Iraqi Pilgrims Cross into Saudi Arabia via Jadidat Arar Border Crossing
The overland pilgrimage route through the Jadidat Arar crossing in northern Saudi Arabia has seen a steady and well-organized flow of Hajj pilgrims this season, with thousands of Iraqis arriving in staggered convoys since mid-May. The border post is also preparing to receive pilgrims from Syria, Jordan and Palestine in the coming days, according to local officials. Saadi Al-Shammari, deputy head of the Pilgrims and Umrah Services Association, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Iraqi pilgrims will continue arriving at the crossing until May 24. "A total of 24,432 pilgrims from Iraq are expected to cross through Jadidat Arar this year, spread across 509 convoys," Al-Shammari said, noting that the first group arrived on May 15. The first convoy of Iraqi pilgrims crossed into Saudi Arabia carrying 576 pilgrims, with daily arrivals continuing over the following ten days in varying numbers, a Saudi Hajj official said. On May 16 alone, 4,032 pilgrims arrived, followed by 3,360 on May 17, according to Al-Shammari. The final group of Iraqi pilgrims, numbering 1,776, is expected to enter on May 24. Al-Shammari said the land route has witnessed 'a high level of efficiency and coordination,' crediting security and service agencies for streamlining procedures and ensuring the safety of pilgrims upon their entry into the Kingdom. The Pilgrims and Umrah Services Association, which oversees all Hajj and Umrah operational services, has created a welcoming environment for the arriving guests, offering meals, drinks, and traditional Saudi hospitality while ensuring a smooth and orderly process of entry and departure. The association has taken on a central role in organizing and receiving Hajj convoys arriving through the Jadidat Arar border crossing. More than 500 male and female volunteers of all ages are taking part in receiving the pilgrims, as part of an initiative aimed at fostering a culture of giving and volunteerism among Saudi youth, and encouraging a sense of civic duty during the Hajj season.
Asharq Al-Awsat
18-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
How Artificial Intelligence Is Reshaping Saudi Arabia's Labor Market
Artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are increasingly becoming the cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's future labor market as the Kingdom undergoes rapid digital transformation. While automation is boosting efficiency and productivity, it also underscores the urgent need to reskill the current workforce and prepare younger generations with future-ready skills. The widening gap between traditional education and evolving market demands calls for decisive action. This shift does not signal the disappearance of jobs, but rather their redefinition. Routine tasks are giving way to roles requiring analytical thinking, digital fluency, and creativity. The very nature of employment is transforming from simply executing tasks to managing complex solutions. AI is accelerating this evolution across key sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, and finance, where local case studies show how the technology is cutting costs and improving operational performance. Yet, despite the opportunities AI presents for growth and job creation, significant challenges remain. Chief among them are high adoption costs, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified professionals. Addressing these issues will require coordinated efforts from the government, private sector, and educational institutions to ensure a balanced digital transformation, one that empowers human potential rather than marginalizing it. Ali Al-Eid, a human resources expert, told Asharq Al-Awsat that digital transformation, future readiness, and awareness of key job skills are now central pillars of Saudi Arabia's national development strategy. While some fear AI may lead to mass job losses, Al-Eid said it will instead reshape existing roles. He expects routine jobs to fade, replaced by positions that demand analytical, digital, and advanced interpersonal skills. Employment will increasingly prioritize flexibility and innovation over years of experience, he added. AI is boosting automation, enabling big data analysis, and improving the speed and accuracy of decision-making, he noted. These changes are reducing waste and enhancing efficiency in sectors like healthcare, logistics, finance, and human resources, where faster decisions and improved outcomes are already evident. He stressed the need for comprehensive strategies that foster innovation, encourage the adoption of new technologies, and ensure a fair transition for workers. This includes investing in reskilling programs and providing social safety nets. According to Al-Eid, the success of future employment initiatives hinges on the private sector's commitment to keeping pace with technological change. Economic policy expert Ahmed Al-Shehri echoed these views, noting that AI is rapidly redrawing the contours of Saudi Arabia's labor market, fueled by Vision 2030's push to diversify the economy and drive innovation. He said AI is automating routine tasks and improving work quality across public and private sectors. Based on global trends, he estimated that between 25 and 30 percent of existing jobs in the Kingdom could be affected by AI by 2030. At the same time, the technology will create new opportunities in high-tech fields and increase productivity by streamlining operations. The oil sector is already seeing tangible benefits. Saudi Aramco, for example, uses AI for predictive maintenance, reducing costs and boosting operational efficiency by up to 20 percent. Al-Shehri added that many educational institutions and stakeholders are prioritizing future skill development to close the gap between conventional education and the needs of a high-tech economy. He said current policies are capable of striking a balance between accelerating technological adoption and preserving existing jobs, thanks to incentives and public-private partnerships, such as those driving mega-projects like NEOM. Tarek Mansour, senior partner at McKinsey, highlighted the findings of recent research by the Future Investment Initiative in collaboration with his firm. According to the study, automation and skill development are key drivers of productivity in the region. It estimated that productivity could grow by 2.7 percent annually by 2030, driven by modern technologies like generative AI, which boosts human creativity in critical sectors such as healthcare and scientific research. Mansour noted that the benefits of digital transformation extend beyond productivity gains. New jobs will be created, and talent shortages in specialized fields, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, could be eased. Gulf countries already possess a strong talent pool and can launch large-scale skill-building programs, especially in strategic and technical sectors, to meet evolving labor market demands and improve youth employment prospects, he remarked. Saudi Arabia, he added, has made impressive strides in embracing technology, with a clear focus on AI readiness and the development of digital infrastructure to keep pace with rapid technological change. A 2024 survey conducted for the study found that 56 percent of companies in the Middle East and North Africa are using AI, compared to 85 percent in the European Union and the United States. However, Mansour pointed out that key barriers to adopting advanced technologies include implementation costs, infrastructure limitations, and a lack of skilled workers. In the Middle East, 52 percent of business leaders cited high costs as a major obstacle, while 45 percent pointed to infrastructure challenges.
Asharq Al-Awsat
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Bernard Haykel to Asharq Al-Awsat: Trump's Visit Reflects Saudi Arabia's Significant Global Role
Dr. Bernard Haykel, professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University, said US President Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday is very important and that it sends messages not just to the international community, but inside the US itself. The messages indicate that Saudi Arabia is the most important country for American interests, not just in the Middle East, but the entire world, Haykel told Asharq Al-Awsat in an interview. Haykel added that Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has dedicated his life in service of his country and has set national interests above all else. Haykel expects Trump's visit to Riyadh to yield several bilateral agreements. The deals may cover vital sectors such as AI, the development of a peaceful nuclear program and facilitating arms deals. He ruled out, however, reaching any agreement that would pave the way for the normalization of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Such an agreement must be tied with a clear pledge from Israel to establish an independent sovereign Palestinian state. 'Excellent' relations Trump's visit is expected to be a success on several levels, notably on the level of bilateral ties or files related the war on Ukraine, Haykel went on to say. Relations between Riyadh and Washington are 'excellent', as they have been during the final two year's of former President Joe Biden's term in office, despite the difference in policies, he noted. Trump's return to the White House has restored momentum in the bilateral relations, while Saudi Arabia recognizes the differences between the former and current administration, he continued. The Kingdom has managed to build solid relations with both the Republican and Democratic parties based on its firm policy that is founded on consolidating regional security and stability, explained Haykel. This policy intersects with American interests in several files, most notably achieving regional peace and over Iran's nuclear program. Trump and Biden both oppose Iran developing nuclear weapons, Haykel said. Saudi Arabia's global standing By choosing Saudi Arabia again as the destination of his first foreign visit, Trump is clearly saying that the Kingdom is the United States' most important partner, not just in the Middle East, but the world, Haykel added. The Kingdom's role in complex international files, such as the Russian-Ukrainian war, consolidated its standing as an influential global player, he remarked. He warned, however, that the visit is not without its risks. He explained that Trump still faces severe internal opposition, and his rivals will use the visit to target Saudi Arabia in the media. Circumstances, though, have changed since his first term in office. The media attacks will not be as intense as the first time he visited the Kingdom given its balanced foreign policy and strong ties with the Republican and Democratic parties, predicted Haykel. On this note, he hailed Crown Prince Mohammed's ability to forge strong ties with world leaders. He has dedicated his life to serving the Kingdom and so, he realizes the importance of establishing strong ties with various world leaders. The Crown Prince places Saudi interests above all else as demonstrated by his decision to open a new chapter in relations with Iran, for example, Haykel said. No normalization During Trump's visit, Riyadh and Washington will likely negotiate a number of strategic agreements that cover security cooperation, a peaceful nuclear program, exchange of goods, AI and facilitating US arms sales to the Kingdom. Some of these agreements were tied to Saudi Arabia normalizing ties with Israel, said Haykel, but such a deal is unlikely to happen without the latter making real concessions to the Palestinians, starting with accepting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. It is obvious that Saudi Arabia will not go ahead with the normalization, he stressed. Strategic agreements will be separated from the normalization efforts.
